Interbus will be integrated `by proxy` with Profinet

A working group has been set up to integrate the Interbus fieldbus system with Profinet, the Ethernet-based version of Profibus. The group, consisting of members drawn from Profibus International and the Interbus Club, is expected to produce a draft specification, including the required engineering, by the end of September this year.

The new specification will adopt a "proxy" approach that will allow Interbus users to benefit from the next-generation Ethernet-based automation strategies offered by Profinet. The migration path is designed to protect their previous investments in Interbus.

At present, there are an estimated 10 million Profibus nodes and 6.5 million Interbus nodes in use around the world.